. It's the perfect season for sunbathing, swimming and indulging in all kinds of water sports from scuba diving to sailing. You'll need lots of protection against the sun and sunscreen lotion is a must. Temperatures at the beach front can go up to 32 C, though it is markedly cooler in the Troodos and hiking up the mountains is still a possibility.

Cool Autumn

It is only towards the end of October that the evenings start to get cooler in Cyprus but the afternoons are still summery till mid-November. From October through to November the leaves start changing color and the vineyards take on crimson and gold hues. The highlight of the season is the annual Kypria festival during which prestigious international and local dramatic and musical performances are held all over Cyprus. Another highlight is the wine-tasting sessions that are held at all vineyards. Despite the cooler temperatures, the waters are still invitingly warm and it is still possible to enjoy swimming.

Not so Wintry Winter

Though December and January are winter months, you'll need to remind yourself that it's winter in Cyprus

. The sun still shines brightly for about six hours during the day and evening rains are a distant possibility. Unlike its smaller neighbors, Cyprus does not shut down in winter and this is the best time to visit the many prominent heritage museums and sites when they are least crowded. The rain that has been threatening to fall finally makes good its threat in early February when there are occasional showers. Residents and visitors drop everything else and make a beeline for the Troodos in February, when the snowfall offers exciting skiing opportunities.

Delightful Spring

In Cyprus, the orchids wait for January so they can begin to bloom and by mid-February the entire countryside is verdant and lush with the meadows and flowers in full bloom. Carpets of red anemones and other multi-colored wild flowers can be seen everywhere. Day time temperatures by March are a cool 19C but they can drop to 9C at night. Spring is definitely in the air from the beginning of April to mid-May. Opportunities abound to go hiking and marvel at the pink cyclamens, wavy-leaved monkey orchid and 1,950 other species of flowering plants, of which 140 grow only on this wonderful garden island, and nowhere else.